by Constanza, age 8 from Valparaiso, Chile, asks Santa about emailing him, the city’s hillside elevators, and its UNESCO-listed historic quarter.
Dear Santa, my name is Constanza, and I am eight years old. I live in Valparaiso, Chile, where my abuelo says our whole city is built on such steep hills that we use little elevators just to get up and down the streets.
Dear Constanza, a city with its own hillside elevators makes for one of the most delightfully bumpy landings on my entire route, your abuelo picked a truly colorful hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Can I email Santa? My tia says it might be faster than a letter this year.
A heartfelt letter still works wonderfully well, Constanza, my workshop reads every single one, even if the mail takes a bit longer than an email. Tell your tia that a little extra travel time never once slowed down Christmas magic.
My abuelo says Valparaiso is one of the most important port cities along the Pacific Ocean. Is that true?
It is true, Constanza, Valparaiso has served as a major Pacific port for centuries, ships coming and going along that steep, colorful coastline. I always enjoy that dramatic hillside view flying in to visit you.
My abuelo says our historic old quarter is recognized as an important cultural site by an international organization. Is that true?
It is true, Constanza, Valparaiso’s historic quarter is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its colorful houses and winding streets treasured around the world. That kind of care for preserving beauty and history is really something worth celebrating.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Constanza Fuentes
Valparaiso, Chile
P.S. Will you ride one of the little elevators if you visit early?
Only briefly, Constanza, my sleigh handles hills just fine on its own.
